5 Hygiene Tips for Men with Long Hair

For the average guy with long hair, shampooing every day can strip the scalp of its natural essential oils, which can result in damaged hair and a dry, flaky scalp. Instead, plan to shampoo every two to three days to maximize hair health and cut your grooming time.

Of course, how you shampoo can be just as important as how often, so focus on proper cleaning techniques to keep your hair looking its best. Start with a dime-sized amount of shampoo, and work it into a lather in your hands before you touch your hair. Apply the shampoo to your hair and massage gently into the scalp using your fingertips, not your nails. Finally, rinse with cool water to avoid drying hair out. Make sure to rinse away all shampoo, as any remaining residue could dry up and lead to embarrassing flakes. If you tend to use a lot of styling products, repeat this process to ensure hair is truly clean.

Once you've finished shampooing, it's time to add conditioner. While men tend to skip this step, conditioner is a must for long hair to maintain softness and keep tangles at bay. To keep conditioner from flattening out volume, make sure to apply it to the ends of hair only, and steer clear of your roots. Leave the conditioner in for a few minutes to work its magic, then rinse clean using cold water for added shine. If your hair gets unmanageable between shampoos, try rinsing with cool water and conditioning every day to maintain control over your tresses.